03 AUGUST 2015

Banner Promotions Sign More Eastern European Talent

American based Banner Promotions has signed two more Eastern European boxers in the shape of Russian lightweight Evgenii Chuprakov (4-0, 2 KOs) and Ukrainian 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Taras Shelestyuk. Both will fight at light who middleweight.

Chuprakov and Shelestyuk will fight on March 29th on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights event at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York.

Chuprakov, 22 years old of Ekaterinburg, Russia has already amassed a perfect professional record of 4-0 with two of his wins coming by knockout. Chuprakov had an exceptional amateur career in Russia as he went 120-30 and won the 1st League of Tough Fight Tournament of 2012. He was also considered a Master of Boxing.

Upon turning pro, Chuprakov has been training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and has been a fixture sparring partner for the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov and Amir Khan.

“I feel that sparring with Manny Pacquiao, Ruslan Provodnikov, and Amir Khan has helped build my confidence in the beginning of my career. Working at the Wild Card gym has also grown my motivation and my love for the sport!” said Chuprakov.

Chuprakov is managed by Vadim Kornilov.

”When Freddie Roach saw Ruslan sparring with some of the guys at the Wild Card Gym last year when we first brought Evgenii to Los Angeles, he told me that I definitely have a prospect on my hands. He is a very slick boxer and can throw a lot of hard shots and be aggressive which is what the fans love!” said Kornilov.

Said Artie Pelullo, CEO of Banner Promotions, “Vadim came to me and told me about the great report that Freddie gave him on Evgenii. When I hear things like that it made me very interested and excited to add Evgenii to the Banner Promotions roster.”

Shelestyuk of Sumy, Ukraine will compete as won his bronze medal in London. He captured the 2011 world amateur championship in the 152 pound weight division.

He won the Bronze medal in the 2010 European championship and is also a 3-time Ukrainian champion.

The 27 year-old stands 5’10” and had an impressive amateur record of 195-15.

“We are very excited to add Taras to our roster”, said Pelullo.

“We have big plans for Taras and we feel he will become a world champion”.

Shelestyuk’s manager Vadim Kornilov says, ”We definitely have a future star. Banner Promotions is planning to move Taras very fast and get as many fights as we can get him. Fans should keep an eye on him because he will be the next star”.